Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Divided into 5 blocks, the park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons. Two blocks are currently opened to the public.

Situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was designated a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles. The best time to visit Yala is between February and July when the water levels of the park are quite low, bringing animals into the open.

Sri Lankan Leopard, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National park is among the oldest and most important of protected areas in Sri Lanka. It also contains a number of important cultural sites. The sanctuary stretches from the North-western coast to the North-central province where the ancient city of Anuradhapura is located. Wilpattu National Park is laced with a complex of lakes called ‘Villus’, surrounded by grassy plains, set within scrub jungle. Many of the `big game’ found in Sri Lanka including elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo, and spotted dear can be seen here. Wilpattu is also known for leopards.

Sri Lankan Leopard @ Willpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Kumana(Yala East) National Park

Formerly known as Yala East National Park, Kumana lies on the south-east coast in the Eastern Province, 12km south of Arugam Bay, and is easily accessible from the Wellawaya-Pottuvil Road. The Park is physically separated from the more famous Yala National Park and Strict Reserve by the Kumbukkan Oya (River) and is better known for its migratory birds. A natural highlight of the park is a 200 hectare swamp lake sustained by the river through a half a mile long narrow channel. These mangrove swamps are a destination of choice for migratory birds. Among regular visitors who nest and breed are pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, herons, egrets and little cormorants. Land animals found in the adjacent Yala are also found here.

Indian Peacock – National Park, Sri lanka

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa is home to a vast array of animals, as well as, ancient sites and tanks. Known for its rich population of predators among which bears receive significant attention. It is believed that Wasgamuwa has the highest density of bears than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Bordered by the famous Mahaweli and the lesson known Amban river, Wasgamuwa spreads through the districts of Matale in the central hills and the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Srilanka Leopard

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park, in close proximity to the eastern city of Amparai has an important task: to serve as the catchment area for Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, the Senanayake Samudraya. It is the only national park where boat rides are allowed, offering visitors to the rare sight of swimming elephants, a phenomena famously known as ‘the crossings’.

Udawalawe National Park

The Udawalawe National Park is Sri Lanka’s closest example of Africa’s savanna reserves. Better known as the country’s premier elephant park, Udawalawe revolves around the vast Udawalawe reservoir. Located on the base of hilly Ratnapura and Moneragala districts, the park is home, among other animals, to an elephant population of about 500. The park also boasts of an elephant transit home, with public displays during feeding times.

Indian Peacock at Udawalawa National Park, Sri lanka

Lahugala Kithulana National Park

The eastern park of Lahugala is among Sri Lanka’s smallest among parks but its importance to elephants and endemic birds is very big.

Maduru Oya National Park

Maduru Oya National Park is designed to protect the immediate catchments of five reservoirs developed under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Program, Sri Lanka’s most ambitious irrigation project. The park provides refuge for wildlife and lies between the Polonnaruwa-Batticalo Road and Mahiyangana-Padiyathalawa Road in the districts of Ampara, Badulla and Polonnaruwa.

Elephant hugging at Minneriya National Park

Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains, a world heritage site is the catchment area for almost all of Sri Lanka’s major rivers. A silent and cold highland plateau in the central hills of Sri Lanka, the beautiful Horton Plains is surrounded by peak wildernesses and forests and is home to many endemic plants and animals thriving in a rare wet and cold climate. The park offers spectacular hikes and culminates with the World’s End, a dramatic 900 meter cliff with nothing but flat land beyond extending to the coast of Sri Lanka’s deep South./p>

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park lies in the dry and arid Hambantota District in Southern Sri Lanka. But the park’s many lagoons make it a paradise for migratory as well as resident birds. Every species of water birds found in the country find a safe haven here. Visitors will also be treated to many land animals from elephant to the deer. Bundala is also said to be the only park where visitors can spot both the Marsh and Seawater crocodile on the same safari trip.

Indian Peacock, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Lunugamvehera National Park

Located adjacent to Yala National Park is Lunugamvehera Park, created primarily as a catchment area for the Lunugamvehera reservoir. A plan is mooted to amalgamate the park with its larger and more famous cousin Yala and if that happens, Lunugamvehera will be renamed as Yala West.

Minneriya National Park

Home for the world famous Elephant ‘Gathering’, Minneriya National Park is nestled on the plains of the North-Central province, about 20kms from historic Polonnaruwa. Fed by the beautiful Minneriya tank, the park despite being one of the smallest, is a haven for elephants and birds, providing magnificent views to visitors.

Kaudulla National Park

In close proximity to Habarana, the gateway to Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa, Kaudulla revolves around an ancient tank and is considered as an important elephant corridor, offering regular sightings.

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill @ Willpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa National Park

One of the two marine parks in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa National Park in the popular southern coast features fringing coral reefs showcasing a bio-diversity spectacle.

Pigeon Island National Park

The 2nd marine park in the country, Pigeon Island is located in famed Nilaweli, on the outskirts of Trincomalee. The spectacular small island is home to a showcase of colorful corals and tropical fish and is a short boat ride from the world famous Nilaweli beach.

Sri Lankan Leopard @ Willpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Horagolla National Park

Horagolla is biologically, the most diverse and significant patch of forest in the wet zone of Sri Lanka, located just outside Colombo. The park presents a special zonal vegetation complex which provides a natural refuge for many species that are extremely rare, possibly extinct, in other parts of the island.

Galways Land National Park

The only national park located within city limits, Galways is home to a montane eco system in the cold and windy hill station of Nuwara Eliya, also the highest located city in Sri Lanka. Galways is decorated by its beautiful population of birds, as well as, its colorful floral species of native and foreign origin. Along with the nearby Victoria Park, Galway is considered to be the most significant birding site in Sri Lanka.

Baby Elephant at Minneriya National Park

Ussangoda National Park

Believed to be the place where Ravana landed his mythical flying chariot, Ussangoda is situated in Nonagama, Hambantota in the deep South. Known for the red soil in the area, Ussangoda, with both land and sea features, is a haven for turtles.

Angammedilla National Park

Originally a forest reserve within the Minneriya-Girithale Sanctuary within close proximity to Polonnaruwa, Angammedilla was established to protect the drainage basin of the giant Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

Changeable Hawk Eagke, Willpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Flood Plains National Park

The park is central to the integrity of the Mahaweli irrigation system, both for its unique “villus” and as a corridor for wildlife migration between grazing lands in Wasgamuwa and Somawathiya National Park. The area spans the Mahaweli River in Polonnaruwa district in North Central Province.

Somawathiya National Park

Somawathiya National Park is one of the four national parks designated under the Mahaweli River Development project. Somawathiya Chaitya, a stupa said to be containing a relic of the tooth of the Buddha, is situated within the park.

Source: Wildlife Department Website

About Me

I Prasanna Ambigaibagan Cost Accountant by profession and passionate wildlife photographer from 2011, I do many budgeted road tours in overseas and meet many new friends and I do always invite them to Sri lanka and let them to experience Srilanka hospitality.

If anyone wanted to know more about Sri Lankan Wildlife and Wildlife Safaris, you can feel free to contact me by below comment or call me on +94776534669 (I do available in Whatsapp, Viber, IMO and Line).

if you’re interested you can follow my Wildlife photography page on Facebook on below link

Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Divided into 5 blocks, the park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons. Two blocks are currently opened to the public.

Situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was designated a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles. The best time to visit Yala is between February and July when the water levels of the park are quite low, bringing animals into the open.

Srilanka Leopard

Block

Extent

Date added to the park

Block I

14,101 hectares (54.44 sq mi)

1938

Block II

9,931 hectares (38.34 sq mi)

1954

Block III

40,775 hectares (157.43 sq mi)

1967

Block IV

26,418 hectares (102.00 sq mi)

1969

Block V

6,656 hectares (25.70 sq mi)

1973

Yala National Park Weather

Yala is in a hot, semi-arid environment despite its lush greenish look, especially during the monsoon season. Temperature ranges from 260C to about 300C. The North-east monsoon season is when Yala gets most of its rainfall from September to December

Be a responsible Visitor to Yala National Park

Yala is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka with record-breaking numbers every passing year. Now as you think of coming to the park, we have a question for you. Why? If the answer is because it sounds like a ‘fun’ thing to do, we want to help you make the answer and your experience much more meaningful and productive. Here’s a checklist of preparations

Do your homework by reading up on wildlife, its destruction and get to know the park you are preparing to visit. Start with its history; geography and the inhabitants. Each animal has incredibly unique features, behaviors, feeding patterns etc. Knowing your hosts will make the adventure all the more memorable.

Get children involved too and friends. Talk about what you know and drive home the fact that you are not visiting a circus. Read to Do’s and Don’ts elsewhere on this page and take them to your heart. A wildlife safari is essentially an educational experience that imparts incredible happiness and doing it with friends and family is truly a ‘fun’ experience.

Be prepared to speak up and act responsibly. Do not condone bad, ugly, selfish behavior and do not entice your trekker to break the law. Every wrong move may endanger the animals and your life too.

Yala in its entirety is 26 times bigger than the city of Colombo. But the public is currently allowed only on two of its designated blocks making the park’s road network over-crowded with vehicular traffic, especially on public holidays. While new areas with more roads are being considered it’s a humongous and costly task experiencing delays. So the best you can do is to travel in an orderly, responsible manner, sticking to designated routes and not speed at any time.

Remember, at all times that you are in someone else’s territory and conduct yourself as a responsible nature lover. Leave with only memories and do not leave even your footprints.

Sri Lankan Leopard, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Rule of Thumb of Visiting Yala National Park

The rule of the thumb in visiting a national park is that you must simply blend in and try to be invisible. While you just can’t hide from them, there’s a lot you can do to make sure that the animals can simply ignore you. Each animal has its own personality and the slightest thing can destroy their peace. When you understand their habitat, lifestyle and behavior, you can become a good visitor. Just as much as an irritating and selfish neighbor can drive us wild, destroy our peace and turn us into angry human beings, the slightest thing can upset the equilibrium of animals and that may happen quite unwittingly on your part. This is why educating ourselves is to prepare ourselves for the journey. Avoid any kind of interaction, verbal or through gestures. Did you know even the noise of vehicles seem to affect the feeding habits and personality of elephants, for example? Animals sense who you really are. Be patient and respectful and they will roam freely. Predators can feel mostly under pressure because of photographers, which has huge impact on their hunting, feeding and reproductive habits. Be a spy and never force a photo op on them. Chasing an animal in your vehicle puts them under tremendous pressure and think of having to experience that visitor after visitor, day after day. Some species of birds are more sensitive in special times; the most crucial period for birds is nestling season. Any undue pressure can bring on the kind of pressure they feel when a predator is on the prowl. That’s quite cruel. Learning about animals is fun and adds meaning to life; what’s more, it prepares you to be a responsible visitor to the animal kingdom. Be patient at all times; the VIP is not you but your host, who wants you to come, be amazed and go, all unnoticed!

What in Leopard Mind

Imagine, you are a superstar and you don’t even know about it. And zillion people come at dawn and dusk, just the same way the paparazzi zoom in on their target. They hustle and jostle for vantage points, follow you round like a bunch of possessed men or a pack of looting hyenas. They won’t even let you eat in peace or let you enjoy that well-earned fiesta. If this happens to you, surely you can call in the Police or hire some security guards. You’d give a piece of your mind, at least. A leopard can’t call in the Police but it can give you a piece of its mind but it chooses not to; displaying greater tolerance and latitude that humans show. It has little option but to accept and adjust, letting you enjoy that perfect shot while our irresponsible actions may forever change even their gene pools, as they learn to live with noisy human visitors. There are some 40 leopards, the highest gathering in the world, putting up with you. A gracious host only asks for a considerate visitor!

What to do in an emergency!

When you enter a national wildlife park you accept the risks involved. While animal attacks are rare, you must remember that they can happen. Animals are highly unpredictable, temperamental and may easily be provoked or spring to action without a warning. They are known to guard their herds and territories; with behavior different from one species to another. Elephants offer the highest risk while other predators may pose dangers at close range.

In case of an emergency, remind yourself to be calm and intently listen to the instructions of your tracker. If you are on your own, remain quiet, engine of vehicle cut and do not leave the vehicle at all.

In extremely dangerous situations, your tracker may ask you to put foot to the pedal; remember to keep calm and think rationally. Loud noise should be made only if trekker says so or when no other solution is in the offing, in the face of a violent, persistent attack, which is extremely remote and unlikely.

Your trekker is trained for any eventuality and will take you out of harm’s way. If you do not have a trekker, call for help if you need assistance if you are lost or need urgent help.

Elephant hugging at Minneriya National Park

Yala National Park Bungalows (Bungalows inside Yala National Park)

A series of wildlife bungalows operated by the park afford nature enthusiasts to spend a night in the park. These bungalows are very basic, promote open space but give you an unforgettable experience as you experience a night in the animal kingdom. You can book a bungalow here. You can also be out on the beaten track before the rest of the traffic gets in. A series of wildlife bungalows operated by the park afford nature enthusiasts to spend a night in the park. These bungalows are very basic, promote open space but give you an unforgettable experience as you experience a night in the animal kingdom. You can book a bungalow here. You can also be out on the beaten track before the rest of the traffic gets in.

Below are List of Bungalows available for stay upto 3 days continuously,

Warahena Bungalow

First Night: LKR 8008.00

Second Night: LKR 14,504.00

Third Night: LKR 21,000.00

Mahasilawa Bungalow

First Night: LKR 8008.00

Second Night: LKR 14,504.00

Third Night: LKR 21,000.00

Ondaathe Bungalow

First Night: LKR 6,888.00

Second Night: LKR 12,264.00

Third Night: LKR 17,640.00

Heenwewa Bungalow

First Night: LKR 5,768.00

Second Night: LKR 10,024.00

Third Night: LKR 14,280.00

Thalgasmankada Bungalow

First Night: LKR 5,768.00

Second Night: LKR 10,024.00

Third Night: LKR 14,280.00

New Buthawa Bungalow

First Night: LKR 8008.00

Second Night: LKR 14,504.00

Third Night: LKR 21,000.00

Old Buthawa Bungalow

First Night: LKR 8008.00

Second Night: LKR 14,504.00

Third Night: LKR 21,000.00

If you are interested to Book Bungalows located inside Yala National Park : Click Here

Indian Peacock at Udawalawa National Park, Sri lanka

Are interested in camping inside Yala National Park

The campsite can provide accommodation for a maximum of 10 people at a time. You can also have 2 kids below the age of 6 in addition to that. Campsites are open for any bookings of not more than 3 days.

There are onsite toilets for campers and don’t forget to clean it when you are leaving. Littering inside the park is strictly prohibited so don’t leave anything behind apart from your footsteps. Permanent constructions are not allowed inside a campsite, you have a 20 X 20 ft. land to build your temporary dwellings.

If you have more than 1 camp tent, you may have to pay extra for each additional tent. All campers are entitled to a seasoned trekker when entering the park. No refunds are entertained under any circumstance.

The guest registration forms must be filled on arrival.

Alcohol consumption and smoking is strictly prohibited on campsites.

You have to be responsible for your actions inside the park. Make sure that you leave it as you see it.

Any harm caused to the nature by you is a serious crime and will be dealt with extreme prejudice.

Campers must be fully aware of the rules of the park and expected to be in line with all of them.

Safari Riders

Obviously, your trip to Yala revolves around the safari ride that takes you on an experience of a lifetime. Remember, this is no circus and animals are not on duty waiting for you. It’s that feeling of uncertainty and adventure that makes it a wildlife experience. To catch the inhabitants of the jungle you need to be there at the best time and thread patiently.

Plan your itinerary

Make a well thought-out schedule. If you are a local planning your first trip to Yala, plan you route and make sure you have proper transport. While a 4-WD vehicle is recommended a van with high ground clearance would do. If you don’t have one, you can hire a safari jeep at the entrance. If you are an overseas visitor, Yala would be among many other local destinations you plan to visit. So, it is important to slot it in well. Talk to your tour operator about travel time from your previous destination and where you need to be after Yala. It’ll give you a good idea if your agent has prepared you a good itinerary or not. The chances are you’d first visit the ancient kingdoms first and travel next to hill country before arriving in Yala, with plans to move on to the southern coast and then ending back in Colombo. Or you’ll do it the other way round. Look at the distance and travel time that will get you to Yala. Keep In mind that the best time to enter the park is when the park opens just after 6:00am or after 4:00pm when animals resurface after taking cover from the sun. You may also opt for a full day tour. Leave adequate time to arrive at the park at the planned entry time.

A memorable safari

Right, now that you just can’t wait to get to this amazing animal kingdom, you need to do your homework before you actually get there. Proper preparation is the key to making the most of your safari to Yala National Park of Sri Lanka

I Prasanna Ambigaibagan Cost Accountant by profession and passionate wildlife photographer from 2011, I do many budgeted road tours in overseas and meet many new friends and I do always invite them to Sri lanka and let them to experience Srilanka hospitality.

If anyone wanted to know more about Sri Lankan Wildlife and Wildlife Safaris, you can feel free to contact me by below comment or call me on +94776534669 (I do available in Whatsapp, Viber, IMO and Line).

if you’re interested you can follow my Wildlife photography page on Facebook on below link

At Cinnamon Air we not only provide efficient and professional domestic air services in Sri Lanka, but some great special offers too! This exclusive Early Bird Offer lets you enjoy an attractive 25% discount when making a booking 60 days prior to your flight. Providing greater savings the earlier you make your booking, the deal is available on flights to all scheduled destinations and is amongst the best flight packages in Sri Lanka.

Helping you better plan your trip, our Cinnamon Air taxi schedules in Sri Lanka feature all the information you will need for your flight including departure & arrival days, times and destinations.

Sri Lanka is one of the best Destinations for explore culture, people, adventure, beaches and Wildlife. It has been noted many of the tourist willing to cover their tour with mixture of Beaches, Cultural sites, and Wildlife at an affordable cost. But many do fail to achieve fulfill their wildlife experience without knowing mammals name and how to maximum time in wildlife.

I Prasanna Ambigaibagan a Wildlife photographer by passion and working professional in leading exporting company in Sri Lanka. I have notice many of tourist has been visit to National parks with lacking knowledge of mammals and birds specifications and names and some of them harming to environment by their indecent behaviors inside national parks.

Therefore I have decided to offer a FREE KNOWLEDGE SHARING SERVICE at on my leisure time. This is 100% free without any conditions apply and this service is provide to betterment to nature and good wish of improve the knowledge of visitor.

I do available in weekend for this Free Service and you could contact me +94776534669 via whats app, Viber, IMO and Line on any times or you can send me a personal message though Facebook.

American Express announces a range of hotel promotion for this forthcoming Holidays in November, December 2015. Enjoy your special discount from 15% to 50% off only for American Express credit card at below hotels.

Jetwing sea

Jetwing Lagoon

Jetwing Lighthouse

Jetwing Yala

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions

Amaloh by Jetwing

Jetwing Warwick Gardern

Jetwing Kurulubedda

Villa 700

Era Beach by Jetwing

Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing

Landesi by Jetwing

Saffron & Blue by Jetwing

Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing

The Cottage by Jetwing

Cocoon Resort & Villa

Brook Butique

Randholee

Queens Hotel

Rajarata Hotels

The Firs

Hotel Pledge3

Saraii Village

Roman lake/Beach

Mahaweli Reach

Anilana

The Rainforest Ecolodge

Kithul Kanda Resort

Lavanga Resort& Spa

Mandira Bunglows

Arika Luxury Villa

The Sigiriya Village

Club Palm Bay

The Palms

Kalu Hideaway

Heritage Hotel

Rana 212

Hotel Suisse

Fisherman’s Bay

Seethawaka Regency

Thilanka Resort & Spa

Thilanka Hotel

Thampa Hotel

The Bush Hotel

Hotel Famous

Rest House Avissawella

TERMS & CONDITIONS

The promotion is open to all American Express® Credit Cards issued by Nations Trust Bank PLC (excluding Corporate Cards)

The promotion is valid for bookings made & stays confirmed during specified period (inclusive of both days).

One Cardmember is eligible for a maximum of 2 rooms per hotel per booking. However the number of nights can be differed on availability.

Savings will be applicable for Double or Triple rooms booked only on Half or Full board basis. However there will be exceptions on the below properties.

At CALAMENDER BAY – TRINCOMALEE the saving valid only on FB basis & 20% savings on two night stays at all “Taprospa” properties.

At Hotel Pledge3 offer valid only for platinum card members.

Rooms will be given on a first come first served basis, strictly subject to availability & confirmation.

The card member(s) is/are to settle the total bill via American Express Credit Card to be eligible for the savings.

Savings applicable on local room rates and valid for Sri Lankans and Expatriates only.

Offer is not valid for online bookings and long weekends.

Reservations to be made in advance by calling the specified numbers. An advance payment is to be made by the Card member using his/her Nations Trust Bank, American Express Credit Card at the time of the reservation. The savings is not applicable for pre confirmed bookings made prior to the respective launch dates.

The type of rooms available (Single/ Double/Triple) and the basis on which it is offered (BB /HB/FB) will be in accordance with the standard policy of the individual property.

The offers cannot be exchanged for cash and/or used in conjunction with any other promotional programs or offers provided by service establishments involved in this promotion.

Nations Trust Bank PLC reserves the right to withdraw, modify or change all or any of the rules, terms & conditions applicable to this promotion at any given time without prior notice.

If any dispute arises regarding any of the terms and conditions contained herewith, the decision of the respective service establishment & Nations Trust Bank PLC shall be final.

Nations Trust Bank PLC accepts no liability for the quality of goods and services provided by the service establishments involved in this promotion since the Bank is not the supplier of such goods and services.

The General Credit Card terms and conditions will continue to apply.

The promotion is bound by the terms & conditions of the respective service establishment and Nations Trust Bank PLC.

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) announced that WNPS Bungalows in Yala, Wilpattu and Udawalawe is now open for Non members of WNPS at same fee as now and WNPS members will obtain at a special rate.

The Bungalows in Yala, Wilpattu are cater upto 10 passengers and Udawalawe for 8 Passengers.

For more details contact to Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) on 0112 887390

Think Sri Lanka and some of the things that come to mind are Asian elephants and Ceylon tea. Delve deeper and you’ll discover a nation of rich heritage and wonders including lush greenery, monasteries, palaces, temples and theatres.

The country is among the beauties of the sub-continent that features a peaceful environment and a hard-working community.

Among ancient cities, a visit to Anuradhapura is a must as it holds the title as a sacred city by Buddhists around the world. Kandy is a scene to behold. With spiraling roads and refreshing environment, Kandy is especially beautiful around the Monsoon season when cool temperatures call to unwind with a warm cup of Ceylon tea.

For the adventurous, water sports such as rafting and gliding are slowly gaining popularity across its gleaming streams.

Wildlife is abundant in Sri Lanka, as it is known to be among the top five hotspots for biodiversity. Visitors to the Bundala National Park can spot monkeys, fruit bats and various species of water and migratory birds, as well as other fauna and flora — a photographers treat.

Safari to view nature’s best

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a nursery and breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. It’s a great place to get up close and personal with the mammals. Visitors can also feed the animals from a high point. You can also embark on a safari to view nature’s best.

Tea gardens spanning across lush fields denote the country’s booming tea production. Fresh, aromatic and bursting with flavour, Sri Lanka’s tea leaves are fragrant and refreshing, not to mention it offers great value for quality. It is also proud of its traditional crafts that showcase its distinct culture. Sri Lanka is also an attractive destination for medical tourism with world-class internationally accredited healthcare about 70 per cent comparatively cheaper than Singapore and Thailand.

Spas and massages are a favourite among tourists offering mineral-enriched packs and herbal, therapeutic concoctions to melt stress away.

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country saw a 19.8 per cent rise in tourist arrivals in 2014 with 1,527,153 visitors compared to 1,274,593 in 2013.

In January 2012, the country introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short-term visa in order to ease the flow of arrivals.

Ideal holiday destination

A chunk of Sri Lanka’s GDP comes from tourism and in an attempt to further raise numbers; the Ministry of Economic Development launched a five-year Tourism Development Strategy where it aims to reach a target number of 2.5 million visitors by the year 2016. This includes improving the country’s infrastructure, agriculture and product market.

A report by the Department of Census and Statistics shows that Sri Lanka’s GDP expanded by 7.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the same period the year before. Agriculture and tea production takes precedence in exports aside from textiles and rubber.

Keeping up with the rest of the world, Sri Lanka has set Millennium Development Goals (MDG) as a priority in the national agenda in a bid to improve the overall structure of the nation and combat poverty by the end of year 2015.

Its lush cities combined with warm hospitality and scrumptious food makes it an ideal holiday destination, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The UAE is home to a number of Sri Lankan expats, who take up respectable positions and contribute to their home country’s economy via remittances. The nation is on its way to steady growth alongside notable tourism and investment opportunities.

Srilanka is a fast growing tourist destination in South Asian country which attracts more Sri Lanka Honeymoon Packages and Typical Sri Lanka cultured wedding Packages. In addition to that Sri Lanka cater to all needs of your tourism in nature, Beaches, Wild life safaris, cultural tours, Sri Lanka History tour, Honeymoon Tour, Education Tour and Shopping tours within this tiny island.

But for last 20 years Indian Tourist to Sri Lanka is keeping as higher number of foreign tourist arrivals, these days the Indian tourist arrivals denoted about 16% of total tourist arrivals of Sri Lanka tourism.

There are few reasons for Indian Tourist to visit Sri Lanka

Cost of Air Travel Cost (Flight to Sri Lanka)

Flights are quite affordable, A Delhi-Kochi return fare for weekend would cost INR 16,905 while a Colombo return would cost INR 22,576. Plus, of course a ‘foreign’ tag to boast about.

VISA Process

The Emigration and Travel Approval or ETA, equivalent to a visa, is online and comes in minutes. Immigration clearance in Colombo is a breeze with travellers getting a free SIM card.

Hotels

Booked online with no advance required – all payments on arrival. The rates for decent three to four star hotels range between INR 7,000 and 12,000 with breakfast and wifi free.

Liquor

Freely available and fairly cheap. Unlike Kerala you don’t have to hide beer in coffee mugs at bars

Getting around

The expressway to the city from the airport is a smooth drive. Cars can do up to 120 kmph on the southern expressway though many prefer the longer, more scenic route. Highway to Jaffna also good.

Food

Quite cheap with plentiful seafood, and so are taxis and public transport

Shopping

Not on the scale of Bangkok but Colombo does offer quite a few international brands at bargain prices. Also does great linen and handlooms

The official website for Yala National Park was launched by the Department of Wildlife to coincide with the first-ever World Wildlife Day. The in-depth, one-stop info cum conservation catalyst on the cutting-edge of web technology was launched by the Minister of Wildlife Resources Conservation Gamini Vijith Vijayamuni Zoysa at a special event to mark the Wildlife Day.

Standing out is the website’s multi-faceted strategy of providing all what a visitor requires while preparing him to be a responsible tourist.

http://yalasrilanka.lk/ design approach brings in line with the world’s best websites in wildlife tourism, taking visitors through a fascinating journey that brings them up. Close and personal with the park while inspiring them to be ‘green’ tourists who’d be prepared for their adventure.

http://yalasrilanka.lk/ offers an inside-look at Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife park with authentic facts and photography while also bringing service providers like hotels, safari jeeps, lodges into a well-planned nexus of facilitators.

The site is also linked to a special social media page that allows visitors to share their experiences and create a dialogue that promotes responsible tourism while highlighting problem areas which would bring the Wildlife Department to the equation.

http://yalasrilanka.lk/ is done in association with The 7th Frontier, a respected marcom agency already known for its internationally-acclaimed initiatives in wildlife tourism. “What we need is right partnerships that serve the country well and this is the first step in creating a wildlife portal that offers a single gateway to all of our parks”

Now you can get a new vision of take your photos in the nature and Discover Wilpattu on 25th,26th& 27th October 2013.

Join the Canon Team along with expert wildlife conservationist chithral Jayathilaka and Amphibian and Reptile specialist Mendis Wickramage as they travel through the thick bushes of Wilpattu capturing the wildlife on an expedition and photography.

Experience on photography Experience a special infrared and night photography session all for Rs. 20,000.00 per person and only for 20 Individuals.

For more information please conduct Mr.Gamini Mayadunne on 0773337133.

The Cinnamon air- Wings of Sri Lanka are offering unbelievable experience of 60 minutes or less to fly your destination and experience the picturesque island paradise like never before.

Now you can enjoy 40% savings on Cinnamon air with American express. Exclusively for all American Express card members including corporate card members. Use your American express card to fly Cinnamon Air and discover a whole new level of service in domestic air travel with exceptional passenger care.

Operating scheduled flights form Bandaranaike International Airport and Waters Edge Sri Jayewardenepura to key destination in the island, the exceptional charted service gives you in unmatched level of freedom, flexibility and luxury. Escape the travel time and enjoy the journey.

Now you can conduct Cinnamon Air Wings of Sri Lanka on hotline of 0112475475 for reservations visitswww.cinnamonair.com/amex valid from 8th September to 31st October 2013.

For more details and terms and conditions please visit www.americanexpress.lk NTB PLC is a licensed Commercial bank supervised by Central bank of Sri Lanka American express is a trademark of American express. The card is issued by NTB PLC pursuant to a license from American express.

The News stated the Transport Minister made addressing in a public meeting that the proposed Matara-Kataragama Railway from Matara to Beliatte is underway. Work will be completed soon and train services will be extended up to Beliatte within two years.

The Project will be added values to the railway department to earn more profitable venture accordingly,More travelers prefer the rail journey than Other mode of transports.

This would attractive to the pilgrimage and Safari (Wild Life) Tourism of Sri lanka. And it is an expectation of All Srilankan; as open up the Railway networks to cover whole country, while facilitate quicker transport service.

The Expo Lanka a leading conglomerate business entity in Sri Lanka offers its Super Luxury Rail Service in Sri Lanka.

The Services are Offer for the Main Routes of

Colombo to Kandy (07:00 to 09:30) & Kandy to Colombo (15:00 to 17.30)

Colombo to Badulla (08:15 to 17:53) & Badulla to Colombo (10:00 to 20.25)

Colombo to Vavuniya (16:20 to 21:10) & Vavuniya to Colombo (05:45 to 10.25)

Colombo to Trincomalee (21:00 to 05:10) & Trincomalee to Colombo (19:30 to 04.05)

Things to Consider before Booking Expo Rails

The Expo Rail Compartment is contains 40 sears with 10 rows in total, where you may not gets chance see outside if you’re not book window side seats and its depend on the seats you books.

Specially if your travels to Kandy or Badulla its always better to check with Expo when will Open Deck Compartment will run ( 1 Open Deck Compartment will running to Badulla out of total 8 Expo Rail Compartment), which makesure your not getting disappointment while your journey.

Specially if your nature lover its recommended to check with expo when will Open Deck is available and book accordingly or Book Window side seats.

The Below Window Sides do have much advantages compare to other seats,

4A & 4D – You could see outside without any Crossing of Windows

7A & 7D – You could see outside without any Crossing of Windows

1A & 1D – You could see outside, but Air-condition will be Too much,

10A & 10D – You could see outside but it is a last seats

2A & 2D – lesser the change to see outside, due to seats located in between windows

5A & 5D – lesser the change to see outside, due to seats located in between windows

8A &8D – lesser the change to see outside, due to seats located in between windows
Don’t Book Below seats if you Unable to find any of above Mention seats Number

3A & 3D – You can’t see anything in outside

6A & 6D – You can’t see anything in outside

9A & 9D – You can’t see anything in outside

Facilities in Expo Rail

Compare to any other mode of transport the Expo Rail provide the luxury journey to your desire location of Colombo, Kandy, Badulla, Vavuniya and Trincomalee.

The Expo Rail compartment is made in India and brought it in Sri Lanka for luxury travels of train services in srilanka with Private Public Entity with Expo & Railway Department of Sri Lanka.

The Expo rail is full air-conditioning and maintains the temperature as 21 Celsius to keep you cool. And leather and Fabric Seating and Lighting Brings you the Aero Plane imagination with very well trained cabin crews.

The Expo Rail itself with Modern Toilet facilities with well cleaned. And Expo Rail do have electric Plug points near to every seats to charge your Laptop, Tablet or Mobile in your journey (as long your travels).

For your entertainment expo arrange the TV Shows in entire your journey with English Movies and short programmes of Mind your Languages etc and a Few Wi-Fi facility…

Food and Services

The Expo Rail provides its breakfast, lunch and Dinner according to your journey period. And Breakfast is mostly from the Paan Paan in Colombo and Lunch and Dinner according to the travels. And the Tea or Coffee provides according in morning and evening and depends on your travels.

The Other than Breakfast Lunch and Dinner is not up to the quality as expects. Most of the time foreigners don’t wish to try it (Appreciate if they could improve quality).

The Expo Rail Ride

The While its Luxury compartment, due to the rail track, which you may enjoy the bumpy Journey, which makes your uncomfortable to eat or drink what, served in board.

Cost & Benefits of Expo Rail

Route

One Way

Return

Colombo to Kandy

Rs. 1,450.00

Rs. 2,900.00

Colombo to Badulla

Rs. 1,975.00

Rs. 3,950.00

Colombo to Vavuniya

Rs. 1,700.00

Rs. 3,400.00

Colombo to Trincomalee

Rs. 1,900.00

Rs. 3,900.00

Recommendation

While the cost of travel is triple the amount of First Class of railway Couches, it is recommended who needs air-conditioning Environment with clean seats attached to Plug Points to carried out your day today activities with Free Wi-Fi.

The Clean Toilets and Well served Cabin Crews would be another main reason for the safe journey to your desire location.

In Over all be mindful to book your seat with window side as stated above and avoid disappointment on your journey.

The Ministry of Wildlife Resources Conservation has decided to Install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras inside national forest reserves in a bid to monitor the activities of visitors as well as to be of service to them.

This has become necessary because of the uncouth behaviour of certain visitors and certain service providers, the Minister of Wildlife Resources Conservation stated in News.

There were several instances of unwarranted behaviour had been noticed in the Yala Forest Reserve, and as a result, the ministry had conducted a seminar involving game rangers, drivers who drive visitors inside the forest, and other stakeholders, to create the necessary awareness on how visitors and service providers should conducted themselves in the reserves. And it is securing the safety of the visitors In the Yala Park and of the animals as well

The minister is of the view that once the CCTV cameras are installed within national parks, the authorities would be able to enforce a more coordinated effort at monitoring the visitors, the activities that take place and the manner in which officials carry out their responsibilities.